Percy Van Zyl: My Journey To My First Cape Epic Finish Line
- Rafeeq Safodien
- May 28
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 3
"I wanted to show myself I could do it - it is the ultimate test. Every person who loves mountain biking should do the Cape Epic." - Cape Epic Finisher.
Finishing the Cape Epic is no small feat; it demands months of preparation, commitment, and grit. This first-time Epic rider followed the RIDEANDRACE Cape Epic pre-built plan. With structured training, smart preparation, and a whole lot of determination, he crossed the finish line strong. In this Q&A, he shares the highs, lows, and lessons from the race – in his own words.
1. What was your motivation for entering the Cape Epic for the first time?
To prove to myself that I could do it. It’s the ultimate test. Every person who loves mountain biking should do the Epic.
2. How did you train and prepare – both physically and mentally – for the Cape Epic?
Physically, I relied on the Epic Beginner program from RIDEANDRACE, which I bought on TrainingPeaks. I stuck to the program religiously, and it was more than enough. We made our weekend rides challenging, with lots of climbing. Mentally, we just spent a lot of time in the saddle. Going over each stage in preparation really helped get the mind ready. Riding through tough times in training – like doing another hill or three when you feel like stopping – also helped.
3. Did you have any specific goals or times in mind, or were you just focused on finishing?
We just wanted to finish within the cut-off times each day. The aim was to have around a 1-hour buffer each day in case of mechanical issues.
4. What was the toughest part of the race for you, and how did you manage the fatigue – physically and mentally?
The heat on some stages. Heat training is essential. Cold, rain, and mud are easier to deal with, but heat needs special preparation. Luckily, we trained for this by riding later in the day. Mentally we were fine, knowing we were fit enough to push through anything. It helped to know we’d done it in training.
5. Did you face any major setbacks, and how did you adjust your pacing and strategy?
Only sickness in the last stage. No major mechanical issues. The illness on the final day was tough – probably the hardest part, since you can’t really prepare for that. We just slowed the pace a lot to make sure we got over the line. Always ride to the pace of the slowest rider.
6. How did you and your teammate(s) work together to tackle the race?
Very well. We talked to each other the whole time, checked in on how we were feeling and made sure the pace worked for both of us. We also reminded each other to eat – every time one of us ate, we reminded the other to do the same.
Coach's Note: Smiling through the suffering...
"Some athletes are a different breed. Through months of early mornings, endless intervals on ZWIFT, sore legs, and countless sacrifices, Percy and his Cape Epic partner Jann never stop smiling. Not because it’s easy but because they choose joy in the process. They always found something to laugh about when the legs were screaming, something to be grateful for when the rain soaked through, and something to celebrate even when the ride nearly broke them.
Then comes the Cape Epic — the brutal, beautiful beast. Eight days of relentless terrain, scorching heat, choking dust, soul-crushing climbs, and rain that tests your will. Descents that punish every mistake. And still, they smile. Covered in dust or mud, eyes bloodshot, bodies wrecked but spirits unbroken.
They’re not smiling because it’s painless. They’re smiling because they’ve earned every second of it. That smile? That’s resilience. That’s love for the sport. That’s what makes them unforgettable."
Raf
7. What was the most inspiring or rewarding moment of your Cape Epic experience?
Spending time with the rider who has only one leg. We rode near him often, and it was incredibly inspiring to see him complete the race. Nothing got him down – if he fell, he just got back up and kept going. The most rewarding moment? Finishing! After 6 months of hard prep, 250 hours of training, and 44 hours of racing, all the emotions came out at the end.
8. How did you manage nutrition and hydration over the course of the event?
Again, we reminded each other to eat and drink. We refilled at every water point to make sure we never ran out of fluids, carb drinks, or snacks. We stuck to food we knew and didn’t try anything new. We each carried a hydration bladder and two bottles – that was enough.
9. How did you deal with the logistics of camping and recovery each night?
We stayed in self-catering units and ate in restaurants each day. Driving to and from the race villages was a bit of a pain, but sleeping in a proper bed and choosing our meals was worth it. We had massages at our accommodation every day, which helped with recovery. A protein shake before bed was also key.
10. What did you learn about yourself during the Cape Epic that you didn’t know before?
That I can push through much more pain and suffering than I thought possible. I'm mentally much stronger now than I was six months ago. I can do anything I set my mind to.
11. How did the reality of the Cape Epic compare to your expectations, and what would you do differently next time?
It was everything I hoped for. I wanted it to be really tough, but I also wanted to finish – and it was both. We had every kind of condition imaginable. The climbs were steeper than I expected, but now I know I can get up 20% grades!
12. How did you handle the weather conditions, especially in extreme heat, cold, or wet?
The heat on Stage 3 was brutal! We increased fluid intake and cooled off with water and ice at every water point. I took in 10-11 litres of fluid during that stage – and I only weighed 72 kg. The rain and mud were manageable physically since it was cooler, but mentally it was tough. I didn’t expect to push my bike so much – both uphill and down. The slower going made it harder mentally.
13. What advice would you give to someone considering doing the Cape Epic for the first time?
Sign up for a training program like the one from RIDEANDRACE. A structured plan helps keep you accountable.
Take training seriously. No shortcuts during the week, and no shortcuts on weekends.
Strength training is key – do every session.
Stretch! I skipped some stretches, and it can lead to injury.
Make your weekend rides challenging: look for big climbs, and aim for 1000–1500 m of ascent with at least 2% average gradients. 3%+ if possible.
Practice technical skills – fast, flowy trails, rocky terrain, mud, steep switchbacks.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a solid nutrition plan. Eat and drink early and often. I’ve become a carb counter now!
Enjoy the journey and the race. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Soak it all in – the finish line is worth it.
14. Now that it’s over, would you consider returning for another edition? Why or why not?
Yes, definitely. Maybe not next year – it’s expensive – but I’d love to do it again to enjoy it more. The first time was all about finishing and earning the medal. Next time, I’d like to enjoy the experience a bit more.
15. Anything else you’d like to share that could help future Cape Epic riders?
Train for the climbs. Train for the heat. Take your training seriously. Nail your nutrition. And enjoy the journey and the race!
Wrap-Up
Taking on the Cape Epic takes more than fitness — it takes preparation. Finding a balance between life, work, training and racing. Planning your nutrition and fuelling. Choosing and maintaining the right equipment. Getting familiar with the route demands and thinking through your pacing. Training for the heat. Sorting your gear and logistics. Being mentally ready. And showing up with a whole lot of heart.
Percy proved what is possible when you commit to a structured plan and trust the process. If you're considering the Cape Epic, let this story be your reminder...
You’re capable of more than you think.
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Images courtesy of riders.
That is it, thank you for reading.
Ready to start your own Cape Epic journey? Send me a message here, and together we will figure out how to train smart, stay healthy, and finish.
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